5 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

The development of a medical symptom can be a scary time. Is that chest pain gas, or a sign of a heart attack? Often, a new symptom is nothing serious, but you can't know for sure until you go to a doctor. Here are five symptoms you shouldn't ignore:

1. Bloating

Bloating, or feeling full quickly after you begin to eat, is something you shouldn't necessarily chalk up to your menstrual cycle. If you get bloated or full quickly every day for two weeks, it's time to see the doctor. Prolonged bloating can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

2. Tingling

Tingling in the arms or legs can be a sign of arthritis, or a pinched nerve. But tingling can also be a sign of a stroke. If you have sudden tingling, especially if you have other symptoms such as numbness or weakness, seek emergency medical help. Even if the symptoms go away, call your doctor. Tingling in the arms or legs is also an overlooked sign of a heart attack.

3. Neck pain

There are many causes of neck pain. Stress, posture, even headaches can cause neck pain. But, neck pain can also be a sign of serious conditions. Sudden neck pain can be a sign of a heart attack, especially in women. If you have neck pain that wakes you up at night, or comes and goes, or any indication that the pain is unusual, seek medical care.

4. Heartburn

Millions of people every year get heartburn and indigestion. Heartburn can be caused by eating spicy foods, or drinking too much soda. Persistent, ongoing heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is a condition in which the throat sphincter doesn't close completely, allowing acid from the stomach into the throat. Heartburn can also be a sign of a much more serious disease: esophageal cancer.

5. Flashing lights

Seeing flashing lights in your vision is common as you get older. But if you see flashing lights suddenly, especially if they are persistent or new, this is a warning sign you should not ignore. You might see what look like fireworks, or streaking lights in your field of view. This is a medical emergency. Even if the flashes are brief, or only in your peripheral vision, you need to be seen by an optometrist right away. Flashing lights are a sign of impending blindness due to a torn or detached retina.

There are five health signs you shouldn't ignore. If you have any of these five symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor today. Contact a company such as Wasilla Physical Therapy for more help.